Exploring the historical controversy over the meaning of the French Revolution, eight of the most distinguished scholars in the field--Francois Furet, Norman Hampson, Colin Jones, Louis Bergeron, Michel Vovelle, Alan Forrest, and T.C.W. Blanning-- present new interpretations of its major themes, focusing on the areas of intellectual, political, religious, and social development. Two hundred years after the event, this book is a major statement of current thinking on the Revolution which will stimulate all historians of the French Revolution.

Richard Cobb is one of the most active and influential English historians of France. During a long career of research and writing, his interest has ranged from the Revolution to Vichy. He is especially renowned for his seminal work on the popular movement and on popular attitudes and preoccupations during the Revolution, as well as on its provincial history. This collection of essays is written by his friends, and is dedicated to him. The essays reflect some of the issues that have preoccupied Richard Cobb. Focused on some less familiar corners of the history of the Directory and the...